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The Scottish Deerhound is one of the oldest and most admired sighthound breeds. Developed to hunt red deer across Scotland’s rugged landscape, the breed earned a reputation for speed, strength, and loyalty. Though their numbers once dwindled dramatically, dedicated breeders helped preserve the Deerhound, whose noble character, athletic ability, and quiet dignity continue to inspire admiration today.
Ancient Roots in Scotland
Sir Walter Scott referred to the Deerhound as “the most perfect creature of Heaven,” and breeders today likewise speak passionately of the breed. Those who know the breed appreciate its sterling attributes, in no small respect because of how those traits have withstood the test of time.
Stones sculpted by the Piets, the tribal people who inhabited much of Scotland through the Dark Ages until the arrival of the Scots from Ireland in the mid-ninth century, offer the earliest clues to the Deerhound’s origins. Many of these “Pictish stones,” which contain both abstract symbols and scenes of daily life, depict a Greyhound-like dog chasing deer. Some historians believe this dog may have been an ancestor of the Scottish Deerhound.
Whatever the case, historical evidence shows that large sighthounds were being used to hunt deer in northern Britain at least a thousand years ago.
Built for Scotland’s Landscape and Quarry
To understand the breed’s development, it’s important to consider both Scotland’s challenging terrain and the daunting prey the dogs pursued.
English breeder Norah Hartley, in her book The Deerhound, writes poetically of Scotland’s rugged land. “Its climate and terrain have played their part in fixing his particular characteristics,” she notes. “It is against this background that the mind’s eye must focus the deerhound, his strong feet holding him secure on some rocky crest, the wind brushing back his shaggy eyebrows and revealing his dark eyes alight with excitement, his thick harsh coat turning the driving rain.”
Hartley also described the breed’s quarry, the wild red deer: “His quarry, the wild red deer, is both a formidable antagonist and a tempting prize. Standing about four feet at the withers and weighing in the region of 38 stone [400 pounds], he possesses such speed and strength that a dog must be remarkably swift and powerful in order to overtake him and bring him to bay. Moreover, the deer is furnished with effective and dangerous weapons; the lovely antlers which he carries with such proud grace …”
Hunting such powerful game demanded a dog capable of exceptional speed, stamina, agility, and courage.
From Highland Privilege to Declining Numbers
For centuries, Deerhounds were highly prized. During the Middle Ages, laws limited ownership to those of the rank of earl or above. Historical records frequently praise the breed’s courage in the hunt and their gentle dignity at home.
Highland chieftains treasured Deerhounds, which were “in full use in the days of King Robert Bruce,” writes Freeman Lloyd in the March 1942 American Kennel Gazette. Through the 17th century, clans organized spectacular deer hunts known as “tainchells.” Thousands of clan members would surround vast areas of countryside and release hounds to pursue the deer within.
The Highland way of life changed dramatically after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. As the clans dispersed, their hunting dogs became less common. In 1769, English naturalist Thomas Pennant, visited Scotland and observed, “I saw here a true highland Greyhound, which is now very scarce: it was of a very large size, strong, deep-chested, and covered with very long and rough hair. This kind was in great vogue in former days, and used in vast numbers at the magnificent stag chases by the powerful chieftains.”
The Highland way of life changed dramatically after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. As the clans dispersed, their hunting dogs became less common. In 1769, English naturalist Thomas Pennant observed: “I saw here a true highland Greyhound, which is now very scarce: it was of a very large size, strong, deep-chested, and covered with very long and rough hair. This kind was in great vogue in former days, and used in vast numbers at the magnificent stag chases by the powerful chieftains.”
As firearms improved during the early 19th century, the need for hunting hounds declined further, and Deerhound numbers continued to fall. Concerned by the breed’s dwindling population, writer Archibald McNeill remarked, “Should they once be lost, it is difficult to imagine how any race of dogs can again be produced possessing such a combination of qualities.”
Preservation Through the Show Ring
The survival of the Scottish Deerhound was far from guaranteed. In the 1830s, McNeill and his brother Duncan, Lord Colonsay, began gathering Deerhounds in an effort to preserve the remaining bloodlines.
Their efforts helped stabilize the breed until another development ensured their future: the rise of organized dog shows.
Several Deerhounds appeared at one of Britain’s earliest dog shows in London in 1859, prompting a reporter to praise “those splendid animals, the deer-hounds, with their fine and powerful shape, and beautiful long grey hair.”
Breeder Cecilia Arnold noted in the December 1986 American Kennel Gazette, “The transition from deer forest to dog shows was surprisingly easy, and the Deerhound’s saving grace.”
The Scottish Deerhound Standard Today
With the growth of dog shows came formal breed standards. Deerhound enthusiasts take particular pride in a standard that has changed very little over time. The AKC adopted the original standard almost verbatim from the English version of the late 19th century, and the current standard has remained unchanged since 1935.
To promote greater understanding of the breed, the Scottish Deerhound Club of America published the Illustrated Standard and Discussion of the Scottish Deerhound. The publication elaborates on important features described in the standard, beginning with a key principle: a Deerhound should resemble a rough-coated Greyhound of larger size and bone.
The booklet explains: “The overall Deerhound is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of good bone and muscle, with a hard, ragged coat. This rough-coated dog, natural in appearance, has an air of quiet dignity.”
Breeders stress that although the Deerhound is lighter and more agile than the Irish Wolfhound, it must still possess the strength needed to bring down a red deer over difficult terrain. Breeder Jay Phinizy notes, “The Deerhound must have a depth of chest and spring of rib … good bone … and not be too narrow or slab-sided.”
“I love the juxtaposition of characteristics in the breed,” adds breeder Miranda Levin, “as Deerhounds have to be both fast and powerful. Finding that balance physically is a real breeder’s challenge.”
Living With a Scottish Deerhound
The breed’s size and exercise needs are important considerations for prospective owners. Deerhounds aren’t suitable for every lifestyle and generally benefit from having ample space to move freely.
“They do need space and a lot of exercise, and not forced exercise,” explains breeder Gayle Bontecou. “So a large, fenced-in area is really essential.”
Despite their athletic ability, adult Deerhounds are often calm and easygoing companions that prefer spending time with their families. According to Kate Lyons, a Deerhound breeder since 1962, “Sometimes they won’t exercise themselves … you must go with them! If you want to sit around, they’ll sit around. If you want to get out, they’ll want to-and they’ll love it.”
Exercise is especially important during adolescence and early development. Bontecou also notes the benefits of canine companionship: “Raising two is sure easier than raising one! In all respects-they eat better, they sleep better, they exercise better.”
When given the space to run, Deerhounds display the grace and athleticism that made them legendary hunters. Lyons recalls, “We have a lot of deer on the property, in fact they kicked one up this morning. There was a wonderful run up the hill! It is beautiful to watch.”
A Breed That Has Endured Through Time
The Scottish Deerhound remains one of the dog world’s most enduring links to the past. Through changing centuries, evolving hunting practices, and periods of decline, the breed has retained the essential qualities that first made them famous.
“It is an inspiration,” Hartley wrote in 1955, “to meet with dogs who so steadfastly believe the best of their human friends. The deerhound’s innate faith in the virtue of mankind makes him the most candid and least suspicious of dogs. His quiet dignity, his readiness to forgive an injury and to remember a kindness, his sudden fits of irresponsible gaiety, the wistful expression in his dark eyes, and his unfaltering friendship are among the gracious things of life.”
Into the next century and beyond, Deerhounds and the people who cherish them continue to celebrate the breed’s remarkable history, athletic ability, and steadfast companionship.